CFMEU calls for crackdown on dangerous formaldehyde imports

The call comes after revelations that Northern Territory Intervention
staff had been exposed to dangerously high levels of the chemical
through converted containers that had been used to house them.

The CFMEU said that the materials used in the Northern Territory
Intervention housing could be found in millions of Australian household
kitchens and contained formaldehydes levels four times the Australian
standard.

CFMEU National Health and Safety spokesperson, Martin Kingham said
that an immediate crackdown on the dangerous product import was need to
protect the health of all Australians.

"The Rudd Government should move quickly to crackdown on these
dangerous formaldehyde products and stop their use in Australian
household cupboards and fittings," Mr Kingham said.

"These products are used more widely than in the Northern Territory
Intervention and can be found in thousands of new kitchens across the
country, exposing thousands of Australians and their families,""All
foreign imports should measure up to Australian standards to ensure the
health and safety of all Australians are not jeopardised."